Colorado Rockies Alpine Backpacking Adventure - Youth Ventures

This is a one-week course for teens ages 14-16 that takes place at our basecamp in Rocky Mountains of Colorado and includes a three day expedition, rock climbing, a ropes course and a day of whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River. It is a great choice for teens transitioning from summer camp and ready for a more challenging experience and great first Outward Bound course.

The Rocky Mountains, one of the most famous mountain ranges in the world, stretch 3,000 miles from Alaska to New Mexico. They have provided the stuff legends are made of and have been a profound influence on the development of the continental United States. It is in and around these majestic mountains of Colorado, where trappers, miners and cowboys once roamed that your Outward Bound Wilderness course will take place.

Youth Ventures
Youth Ventures courses are designed for younger teens. They combine basecamp and expedition time to ensure you are well prepared, both mentally and physically, before taking on the challenges of the amazing Rocky Mountains. You will have the opportunity to participate in one or two days of rock climbing and attempt a peak ascent. Wilderness travel, fitness training and initiatives will all be part of your course. You will also complete an endurance run, learn environmental facts about the region, and go white water rafting for a day. Throughout the course, expect to have a lot of fun

The Outward Bound Difference
Throughout the course, you will explore important aspects of Outward Bound, including growth and learning found in every activity you undertake. You will learn five important Outward Bound values: sticking to what you start; giving to others; showing spirit even when the going gets tough; solving problems; and most importantly, caring for others and working as a team. You may find that the most important lessons are as much about learning backcountry skills as they are learning about yourself and your community. Successful completion of your course demands mastery of skills, trust, fitness, confidence, tenacity, leadership, initiative and compassion. The promotion of these qualities, and the discovery of what’s in you, is the purpose of Outward Bound.

Course Description
Start you course at our base outside of Leadville Colorado (9200'). Our base has its own ropes course and rock climbing areas, a great place to work on team-building and "get-to-know-you" games. At the beginning of your course, you'll experience these initiatives in an adventure experience called “The Odyssey.” You will also learn Leave-No-Trace camping and travel skills, outdoor cooking, basic first aid, map and compass use, route finding, knot tying and rope handling skills. On the rock climbing day, the addition of Climbing Instructors increases the staff-to-student ratio and more one-on-one instruction in climbing skills and techniques.

Pack your gear and head out into the mountains for an overnight adventure into the backcountry. You learn to push yourself through challenge and learn the skills and confidence to succeed in the face of challenge when you return home too. You learn more about camping, map and compass use, working together as a team, and learning about your natural surroundings. This adventure takes place in the "backyard" of the base camp but is far enough away to feel like a long ways out there.

On the Arkansas River, you get a chance to experience the fun team activity of rafting with 5-7 students per raft plus staff. You learn to work together to position and maneuver the boat between obstacles in the many moderate rapids or drifting peacefully with the current through placid sections, relaxing and soaking up the grandeur of the mountains. After soaking up the rays on the water, sleeping outside under the stars, and climbing up challenging rocks, you and your fellow students return to the basecamp for course end festivities.

NOTE: Virtually all airlines, except United and Southwest, REQUIRE that travelers, age 14 or younger, flying without a companion over the age of 18 pay for their Unaccompanied Minor service. This fee ranges anywhere from $40 to $75 each way. In most cases, the Unaccompanied Minor service is OPTIONAL for travelers between the ages of 15-17.

To enroll in this course click the enroll button next to the course dates that work for you. To shop comparatively on line visit our Advanced Course Finder or better yet call one of our expert Admission Advisers at 866-467-7651. Course tuitions listed below do not include our Application Fee or Transportation Fee.

Region: Colorado

Activities: Backpacking, basecamp phase, ropes course, low-impact camping, solo, service

Additional Information:
Application Fee
Transportation Fee

Dates	Days	Age	Location	Tuition	Course	Enroll
07/31/08 to 08/06/08	7	14-16	Colorado	$1495.00	CBY828